There is elegance and special courtesy in the ritual of afternoon tea.
You can see it in clothing, such as suits, dresses, and lace fascinations. We see it in music: pianists, harpists, string quartets. And it certainly shows in the food, including crisp-lined finger sandwiches stuffed with flavorful ingredients like watercress, roast beef, and coronation chicken.
But in a wonderful way, this formal and luxurious little banquet inspires the simplest pleasures.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the joy of young children experiencing tea for the first time and drinking real tea from fine china cups, rather than playing make-believe at home. And this holiday season, one of the world’s most iconic Christmas performances will take place.
That’s exactly what’s happening at the Ette Hotel in Kissimmee. In partnership with Orlando Ballet, we have created a seasonal experience with a signature afternoon tea. It provides lasting memories of the holiday season and maybe even starts a new tradition.
The Nutcracker Holiday Tea, offered every weekend in December and Christmas Day, features traditional tea sandwiches, scones and intricately designed pastries. The experience costs $95 per adult and $45 per child. Due to limited availability, reservations are recommended.
There will be three special seating options on Saturday (December 6), including a private meet-and-greet/photo op with two of Orlando Ballet’s featured dancers dressed as the story’s iconic characters, The Nutcracker Prince and Sugar Plum.
Reminiscent of a ballerina’s music box, beloved by generations, the stunning keepsake box contains tea for two all month long. Beautiful take-home sweets with an opening drawer and an Orlando Ballet theme.
“The holiday season is a joyful time when loved ones come together to celebrate beautiful moments,” said Alex Ekbatani, president and owner of Ette Hotels. “At Ette, we strive to encourage and enhance moments like this by providing thoughtfully curated holiday offerings. We look forward to celebrating the holidays with our wonderful guests.”
So does Wendy Lopez, chef and partner at Sparrow. His medically inspired menu turns Brits over for afternoon tea for two once a month.
“We started serving tea four months ago and it’s really taken off now,” Lopez said.
Sparrows soar in downtown’s North Quarter | Photo review
“I really enjoyed Sparrow because it’s really opening up new demographics.”
Sure, Sparrow’s sexy disco lounge aesthetic is magical in the evening, but during afternoon tea service, the blackout curtains are pulled wide, allowing guests to literally and figuratively see the space in a whole new light.
“People come dressed up in fun hats and dresses. It’s so nice to see all of their friends and family, sometimes three generations, come and enjoy the ceremony together.”
In addition to unlimited tea (sometimes as many as 12 types) to sample while drinking, there are also tea stands with traditional homemade sweets.
“We have a steak and tomato sandwich with truffle aioli, smoked salmon with capers, and cucumber with dill,” Lopez lists. “Also, it’s a traditional British coronation chicken curry.”
She reports that people who had never tasted Sparrow’s nighttime delights showed up in droves from one end of the subway to the other for tea.
Besides the main event, which offers warm homemade scones and a variety of lovely desserts, guests can enjoy tea-based cocktails and mocktails. And the Dec. 20 event will be holiday-focused, Lopez said.
“We have a violinist come in,” she says. “We’ll have holiday ham, deviled egg tea sandwiches, turkey, brie and apple sandwiches. We’ll be making eggnog cream puffs and petit fours with little Christmas trees. It’s going to be beautiful.”
Additionally, during tea time, Sparrow is typically open to all ages 21 and older ($65 per adult, $40 per child 12 and under) with 90-minute seating available at 1 and 3 p.m. Tea stand goodies are also included, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add more.
“The butter service with jamon serrano, burrata and cultured butter and caviar service are popular,” says Lopez. “Also popular is the roastie with smoked salmon, capers and cucumber.”
Don’t forget the champagne.
Find me on Facebook, X, Instagram (@amydroo) or the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun, join our Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
If you go
Ette Hotel: 3001 Sharbers Road, Kissimmee; 407-288-1900;ettehotels.com. Reservations:ettehotels.com/dine-Drinks/Afternoon Tea
Sparrow: 807 N. Orange Ave., Orlando; sparrowland.com. Reservations: opentable.com/r/sparrow-wine-bar-and-lounge-orlando
